QUARTER 1: January - March 2019 | USC-PRC Notes

"Promoting Health through Physical Activity"

Topics in this issue

NEWS YOU CAN USE:
America Walks Announces Community Change Grant Winners
Coast-to-Coast Scenic Bike Trail Coming Soon
Episcopal Health Foundation Grants
10 Fitness Trends For 2019
Upcoming Events and Observances: April, May, June

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:
BUILD Infrastructure Grant Awards Reduced
Bill Encourages Use of Public Land

RESEARCH NOTES:
Physical Activity Levels and New Public Transit: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Special Section: Health Promotion in Faith-Based Organizations
Change in Children's Physical Activity: Predictors in the Transition from Elementary to Middle School
Changes in School-day Step Counts During a Physical Activity for Lent Intervention: A Cluster Randomized Crossover Trial of the
Savior’s Sandals

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:
2018 Physical Activity Guidelines PowerPoint
Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2018 Benchmarking Report
Outcomes from the First Two Years of the Walking College
NCCOR’s 2018 Annual Report

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:
Para-athletes Will Compete in Marathon
Fostering Healthier Communities by Creating Soccer Play Spaces
Healthy Livonia – Digital Rewards for More Steps
Fitness at the Park

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:
April, May, June

USC PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATES:
Update from the USC PRC Core Research Project
USC Hosts the Physical Activity and Public Health Practitioners Course
National Physical Activity Plan Alliance (NPAPA) Seeks State Liaisons
Update from the South Carolina Healthy Brain Research Network
Update from the South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network II

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

America Walks Announces Community Change Grant Winners
America Walks, an organization focused on advocating and promoting opportunities for walkable communities, announced the winners of the 2018 Community Change grant program. The program has been helping to fund walking projects nationwide since 2015. Throughout the year, award winners receive $1500 and partner with America Walks and Everybody Walk! to implement their projects. Short descriptions of the funded projects can be read online. In 2018, applications were due in early November. Please check their website later in the year for a 2019 call.
[Source: America Walks]

Coast-to-Coast Scenic Bike Trail Coming Soon
The Rails to Trails Conservancy announced plans to connect existing bike trails across the United States to create The Great American Rail-Trail. Once complete, this project will connect 12 primary existing trails from Washington state to Washington, DC. The unique trail will provide Americans and visitors with the first coast-to-coast bike trail in the United States. Completely separated from vehicle traffic, individuals and communities will now have the opportunity to enjoy safe physical activity in popular scenic areas across the country.
[Source: PR Newswire]

Episcopal Health Foundation Grants
The Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) has announced the opening of their second cycle of grant submission deadlines. EHF funds public health projects in the 57-county service area of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas focused on 1) strengthening systems of health, 2) activating communities, and 3) building the foundation for healthy lives. The current cycle (Cycle 2) is now accepting proposals aimed to activate community engagement by strengthening existing health-oriented programs. Funding will be provided only for proposals that will serve the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Letters of intent are due April 22. Examples of previously accepted proposals include efforts directed towards empowering community health leaders, strengthening existing physical activity programs in vulnerable populations, and supporting the development of new activity spaces. Letters of intent for Cycle 3 are due July 10 (goal: build the foundation for a healthy life). If interested in applying, please visit the website to learn more.
[Source: Episcopal Health Foundation]

10 Fitness Trends For 2019
Near the close of 2018, The American College of Sports Medicine surveyed physical activity professionals about anticipated fitness trends in 2019. The list includes popular programs such as personal training, yoga, body weight training, and high-intensity interval workouts. In addition, wearable technology was reported as the most popular trend in 2019 as these devices continue to develop and add more interactive features. Interested researchers and practitioners can read more information about this year’s fitness trends online.
[Source: National Recreation and Park Association]

APRIL
Cancer Control Month
April 1-30, 2019
National Minority Health Awareness Month
April 1-30, 2019
National Start Walking Day
April 3, 2019
National Public Health Week
April 1-7, 2019
National Walk to Work Day
April 5, 2019
World Health Day
April 7, 2019
World T'ai Chi & Qigong Day
April 27, 2019
Screen-Free Week
April 28-May 5, 2019

JUNE
Men’s Health Month
June 1-30, 2019
National Great Outdoors Month
June 1-30, 2019
National Trails Day
June 1, 2019
National Cancer Survivors Day
June 2, 2019
Global Running Day
June 5, 2019

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:

BUILD Infrastructure Grant Awards Reduced
At the close of the fiscal year 2018, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced awards of $1.5 billion for transportation projects as part of the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Recently, to avoid partial shutdown of the federal government, funds for the BUILD program were reduced to $900 million. Previously known as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program, the BUILD program seeks to award communities with funds to invest in transportation projects. Transportation projects funded by the BUILD program include increasing opportunities for active transportation in rural and urban communities.
[Source: United States Department of Transportation]

Bill Encourages Use of Public Land
Money from offshore oil and gas drilling will now be redirected to conserve recreation spaces across the United States. The Land and Water Conservation Fund, authorized by the House of Representatives in February, outlines plans to protect lands for outdoor sporting, historical preservation, and wildlife conservation. This newly approved legislation encourages many parks and recreation departments nationwide because it demonstrates that lawmakers have an interest in protecting lands for public use. With increased funding to develop and protect outdoor areas, more individuals will now have safe opportunities to engage in physical activity.
[Source: National Geographic]

RESEARCH NOTES:

Physical Activity Levels and New Public Transit: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Individuals that regularly use active transportation have been reported to have higher overall levels of physical activity. In this study, researchers reviewed articles, published between 1997 and 2017, in ten databases to examine the impact of introducing new public transportation options on physical activity. Nine studies met inclusion criteria for the review, and five were eligible for the meta-analysis. Physical activity outcomes were reported as MET-hours per week. Researchers found that the addition of new public transit opportunities significantly increased light to moderate, but not moderate to vigorous, physical activity levels. This resulted in an increase in light physical activity equivalent to 30 minutes per week. Evidence suggests providing opportunities for public transportation may improve health on a population scale.
[Source: Xiao, C. et al. 2019. Physical Activity Levels and New Public Transit: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.]

Special Section: Health Promotion in Faith-Based Organizations
The March issue of The American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) includes a special section of recent research related to public health efforts in faith-based organizations. In this issue, the AJPH recognized the importance of faith-based organizations and connections between these settings and effective public health practice. The issue includes studies from experts in faith-based public health promotion. Featured articles discuss faith-based organizations in the context of community-based partnerships, health policies, cultural influences, global health issues, and minority populations.
[Source: The American Journal of Public Health]

Change in Children's Physical Activity: Predictors in the Transition from Elementary to Middle School
Physical activity levels often decrease as children age. Interventions to promote physical activity should be informed by factors that influence this decline. Using a prospective cohort design, researchers in this study assessed the association between several environmental factors and physical activity levels of 828 children. Children’s physical activity levels were measured via accelerometry at baseline (fifth grade) and during two follow-ups (sixth and seventh grade). Results revealed positive associations between parent, home and community factors and children’s physical activity levels from fifth to seventh grade. These factors included parent encouragement of physical activity, time spent outside, space for physical activity in the community, and nearby facilities. Authors suggest considering these factors in future interventions focused on increasing childhood physical activity.
[Source: Pate, R. R., et al. 2019. Change in Children's Physical Activity: Predictors in the Transition From Elementary to Middle School. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.]

Changes in School-day Step Counts During a Physical Activity for Lent Intervention: A Cluster Randomized Crossover Trial of the Savior’s Sandals
Few children meet recommendations for sufficient activity. This study focused simultaneously on two sectors promoted within the National Physical Activity Plan to address childhood inactivity: faith-based organizations and schools. Researchers randomly assigned Catholic middle schools to a 2-week control or a 4-week intervention of a Lenten-based physical activity program that focused on a journey through locations in the Holy Land. Steps per day were measured using pedometers. Students in schools in the intervention group significantly increased steps per day compared to students in schools in the control group. Findings suggest that religious-themed physical activity programs in the religious school setting may effectively increase children’s physical activity levels.
[Source: Kahan, D., et al. 2019. Changes in School-day Step Counts During a Physical Activity for Lent Intervention: A Cluster Randomized Crossover Trial of the Savior's Sandals. BMC public health]

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:

2018 Physical Activity Guidelines PowerPoint
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, along with the Move Your Way Campaign, has released a PowerPoint to help promote the 2nd edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines. This resource, available for download, ensures consistent sharing of messages and information regarding the updated Guidelines. The slides include information about the history and development of the Guidelines, definitions of key terms, and highlights the specific physical activity recommendations for people of all ages.
[Source: The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion]

Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2018 Benchmarking Report
The League of American Bicyclists has released the 6th edition of the Benchmarking Report on Bicycling and Walking. The report provides updates regarding rates of bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities, chronic diseases, regional differences in cycling and walking, and signs of progress (e.g., increased rates of Complete Streets policies). The report also includes appendices with additional resources such as state- and national-level cycling and walking data, and information about bike share programs throughout the country.
[Source: The League of American Bicyclists]

Outcomes from the First Two Years of the Walking College
Each year, America Walks provides fellowships for the Walking College. These fellows participate in a 6-month course and receive training and mentorship to develop a Walking Action Plan in their community. Their first outcomes report highlights successful work from fellows (N=38) enrolled in the 2015 and 2016 classes. Participants described the level of contribution from the Walking College in key areas such as: (1) partnership development, (2) event planning and management, (3) education and communications, (4) public policy, (5) infrastructure, (6) research and (7) funding.
[Source: America Walks]

NCCOR’s 2018 Annual Report
In late February, the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR) issued the annual report for 2018. The report includes an examination of the efforts made in the past year by NCCOR to prevent childhood obesity. Highlights of progress include an increased number of subscriptions to their monthly newsletter, more followers on social media, and presentations at 7 national and international conferences. For additional information and to learn more about NCCOR, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine released a special theme issue.
[Source: National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research]

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:

Para-athletes Will Compete in Marathon
Two disabled veterans in Harriman, Tennessee, continue to promote the importance of lifelong physical activity. While these veterans no longer have the ability to run, they will compete in The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon and Half-marathon this spring using hand cycles. These hand cycles allow them to enjoy the benefits of a physically active lifestyle despite physical limitations. The two veterans recently spoke with local physical therapy students at Roane State Community College about the benefits of adaptive physical activity. The stories from these veterans have inspired the students to consider alternative ways of helping clients be more physically active.
[Source: The Oak Ridger]

Fostering Healthier Communities by Creating Soccer Play Spaces
Children with more access to safe places to play outside may have higher physical activity levels. The U.S Soccer Foundation has committed to provide more opportunities for children to play outside by bringing 100 soccer fields to communities throughout the United States by 2020. In the past year, outdoor fields have been added in major U.S. cities including Houston, Chicago, Orlando, and Tampa. While these new places allow children to increase activity levels, they also improve neighborhood appearance and safety.
[Source: National Recreation and Park Association]

Healthy Livonia – Digital Rewards for More Steps
The Healthy Livonia initiative, in Livonia, Michigan, incentivizes residents committed to increasing their daily physical activity. The program includes an app that gives participants a daily step challenge tailored to their lifestyle. The app syncs to a step counter on the individuals’ smartphone or wearable device. Users can track their steps and participate in physical activity games and challenges in the app with others. The program also awards participants bonus steps after visiting various facilities, parks, and businesses throughout their community. As app users reach their daily goals and complete challenges, they receive gift cards or other discounts at local businesses.
[Source: Hometown Life]

Fitness at the Park
New physical activity equipment tailored to adults is now available in Elk Grove, CA, parks. The stations include equipment resembling elliptical machines, stair steppers, and illustrations of how to safely perform exercises. For many adults, this provides an alternative to crowded fitness centers. Although the new park equipment does not allow participants to adjust the resistance, it encourages visitors to be more physically active and enjoy the environment.
[Source: Elk Grove Citizen]

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:

APRIL

Partnership for a Healthier America Summit
April 1-2, 2019
Chicago, IL

Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association 25th Annual Symposium
April 11-13, 2019
St. Paul, MN

Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium
April 17-19, 2019
Gatlinburg, Tennessee

2019 International Trails Symposium
April 28-May 1, 2019
Syracuse, NY

26th European Congress on Obesity
April 28-May 1, 2019
Glasgow, Scotland

MAY

National Outdoor Recreation Conference
May 6-9, 2019
Rapid City, SD

50th Annual Conference of the Environmental Research Design Association
May 22-26, 2019
Brooklyn, NY

54th Annual Canadian Transportation Research Forum Conference
May 26-29, 2019
Vancouver, Canada

ACSM's 66th Annual Meeting and 10th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine
May 28-June 1, 2019
Orlando, FL

JUNE

Annual Meeting of the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
June 4-7, 2019
Prague, Czech Republic

National Conference on Health Disparities
June 19-22, 2019
Oakland, CA

USC PRC UPDATES:

Update from the USC PRC Core Research Project
The USC PRC core research project examines the dissemination & implementation of Faith, Activity, & Nutrition (FAN), a faith-based intervention to help promote changes to the church environment for physical activity and healthy eating. The USC PRC team has been busy this quarter disseminating the program and research findings.

As part of program dissemination efforts, Sara Wilcox (USC PRC Director) and Evelyn Fulmore (a previously trained Community Health Advisor for FAN) co-led two FAN Community Health Advisor trainings to groups that extended beyond the originally proposed partners in the grant. In partnership with the Healthy Savannah Faith and Health Coalition, 21 people were trained on February 22 to learn how to deliver FAN training to church committees in Chatham County, Georgia as part of their CDC-funded REACH Grant. In partnership with Eat Smart Move More South Carolina, 22 people from across the state were trained on March 15 to serve this same role in their communities.

USC PRC faculty, staff, and students have also been busy disseminating research findings. The Phase 1 results of FAN are featured on CDC’s Prevention Research Matters podcast series. Two additional papers are now available from Phase 1 of this study. The first was led by USC PRC Co-Investigator, Dr. Ruth Saunders, examining implementation methods and results. The second was led by USC PRC doctoral student, John Bernhart, examining church leaders’ organizational-level barriers and facilitators to implementing the FAN program.

Saunders RP, Wilcox S, Jake-Schoffman DE, Kinnard D, Hutto B, Forthofer M, et al. The Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN) Dissemination and Implementation Study, Phase 1: Implementation Monitoring Methods and Results. Health Educ Behav. Epub ahead of print. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30577714

Bernhart JA, Dunn CG, Wilcox S, Saunders RP, Sharpe PA, Stucker J. Church Leaders' Barriers and Facilitators Before and After Implementing a Physical Activity and Nutrition Intervention. Health Educ Res. 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30601982

Findings from FAN were presented at two national conferences this quarter. At the Active Living Conference in Charleston, SC, John Bernhart (doctoral student) delivered a presentation about environmental audits of church neighborhoods and a poster about church leaders’ barriers and facilitators to implementing the FAN program. At the Society of Behavioral Medicine Conference in Washington, DC, Sara Wilcox (USC PRC Director) delivered a presentation about the recruitment and experiences of Community Health Advisors in Phase 2 of FAN. Caroline Dunn (recent PhD graduate) also presented two posters about church leaders’ views of health promotion efforts for youth and an ecological overview of church activities and opportunities to improve children’s health behaviors.

Finally, USC PRC staff members Deborah Kinnard, Dantz Woodberry, and Sam Noblet completed the Gamecock Research Administrators Network Training Certificate Program, offered by the University of South Carolina Office of Research and Grant Development. Participants received 40 hours of instruction in developing proposals, research compliance and regulations, and more.

USC Hosts the Physical Activity and Public Health Courses for Practitioners
The University of South Carolina hosted the Physical Activity and Public Health Course for Practitioners in Columbia, SC on February 14-17. This course was held after being rescheduled in September due to weather issues related to Hurricane Florence. In the redesigned course for Practitioners, participants (17 total) completed 3 1-hour webinars in January and February prior to the in-person training. More details on the Physical Activity and Public Health Courses for Researchers and Practitioners can be found here.

National Physical Activity Plan Alliance (NPAPA) Seeks State Liaisons
The NPAPA State Liaison Network is designed to enhance the impact of the National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) at the state level, and to ensure that the NPAP benefits from innovative developments at the state level. Physical activity professionals working in a variety of settings participate as state representatives within the network. NPAPA is currently seeking to fill vacancies in a number of states and territories. Applications and nominations are now being accepted, self nominations are encouraged. Interested parties should email info@physicalactivityplan.org for more information or to apply.

Update from the South Carolina Healthy Brain Research Network
This quarter Dr. Daniela Friedman (SC-HBRN principal investigator), Dr. Lee Pearson (Associate Dean of Operations and Accreditation for the Arnold School of Public Health & Co-Director of the Office for the Study of Aging with Dr. Friedman), and Dr. Mindi Spencer (Associate Professor and Associate Director of Research for the Office for the Study of Aging) planned the second annual Arnold School of Public Health Aging Lecture which was held on Thursday, March 28 at the UofSC Alumni Center. The lecture was presented by Dr. Keith Whitfield, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Wayne State University. His lecture was entitled “Biobehavioral Insights on Health and Aging Among African Americans.” In addition, SC-HBRN Scholar Weizhou Tang was awarded a Travel Scholarship from the Alzheimer’s Association to present her research at an upcoming scientific meeting.

Update from the South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (SC-CPCRN) II
In late January, seven members of the SC-CPCRN team ventured out to Phoenix, AZ for the annual meeting with other CPCRN centers. We discussed best practices for data visualization and presenting scientific material to non-scientific audiences. The network also discussed next steps including plans for developing a special journal issue. The team enjoyed the change of scenery, and Sam Noblet (SC-CPCRN Project Coordinator) even ran a 15k race on Saturday morning before heading back to Columbia. He placed second overall!

Writers: John Bernhart and Lindsay Decker

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The USC Prevention Research Center is a member of the CDC Prevention Research Center's National Network, consisting of 33 Centers in the U.S. For more information about the PRC National Network, visit http://www.cdc.gov/prc.

This publication was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number U48-DP-001936 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.

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